Contemporary Sociological Theory : Expanding the Classical Tradition

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This book examines the assumptions and concepts of the five major sociological theories and the classical roots of the modern theories. It focuses specifically on functionalism, conflict theory, theories of rational choice, symbolic interactionism, and phenomenology. Focusing on writers whose work has most influenced social theory, this book explores the key concepts of each theory, the background of the major theorists, empirical applications, and everyday "lay" use of each perspective. The book also features examples of research based on actual theory, direct quotations from major theorists, and feminist contributions and critiques on each major perspective. The sixth edition of Contemporary Sociological Theory: Continuing the Classical Traditionhas been revised to include updated research examples that were theoretically driven. An essential reference for every professional whose work is related to sociology.

Preface

xi

The Understanding of Society

1

(14)

The Structure of Sociological Theory

3

(10)

Subject Matter

5

(1)

Assumptions

6

(2)

Methodology

8

(3)

Objectives

11

(2)

Theory and Understanding: The Examples of Formal Education and the Role of Women in Contemporary Society

13

(2)

Functionalism

15

(52)

Introduction

16

(2)

Functionalism Defined

17

(1)

Intellectual Roots: Emile Durkheim and His Forerunners

18

(7)

Emile Durkheim

19

(6)

Part One: Talcott Parsons: Grand Theory

25

(1)

Background

25

(1)

Parsons's System Levels

26

(2)

Parsons's Theory of Action

28

(1)

The Pattern Variables

29

(6)

The Functional System Problems---AGIL

35

(10)

AGIL and Equilibrium

41

(4)

Part Two: Robert K. Merton: Middle-Range Theory

45

(1)

Background

45

(1)

Theories of the Middle Range

46

(1)

Clarifying Functional Analysis

47

(8)

Dysfunctions

48

(3)

Manifest and Latent Functions

51

(1)

Functional Alternatives

52

(3)

Merton's Theory of Deviance

55

(2)

Part Three: Neofunctionalism

57

(1)

Jeffrey C. Alexander

58

(1)

Neil J. Smelser

59

(2)

Niklas Luhmann

61

(3)

Conclusion

64

(3)

Conflict Theory

67

(91)

Introduction: The Two Traditions

68

(2)

The Two Traditions

69

(1)

Intellectual Roots

70

(8)

Power, Position, and Legitimacy: Marx and Weber

70

(5)

Power, Elites, and Classes

75

(1)

The Web of Conflict: Simmel and the Chicago School

76

(2)

Summary

78

(1)

Part One: Conflict Theory and the Critique of Society

78

(2)

Marxist and Neo-Marxist Sociology

80

(21)

The Economic Basis of Society

81

(1)

Class and the Economic Base of Conflict

82

(5)

Culture, Ideology, and Alienation

87

(6)

Class, Society, and the State

93

(6)

Marxist Analysis: An Assessment

99

(2)

Critical Theory: The Frankfurt School

101

(6)

Critical Theory and the Nature of Social Science

102

(5)

C. Wright Mills

107

(4)

The Sociological Imagination

107

(1)

Alienation and Bureaucracy

108

(1)

The Power Elite

109

(2)

Pierre Bourdieu

111

(9)

Reproduction and Habitus

114

(4)

Conclusion

118

(2)

Part Two: Conflict Theory and Analytic Sociology: The Legacy of Max Weber

120

(1)

Ralf Dahrendorf

121

(9)

Power, Conflict, and Social Explanation

122

(2)

The Determinants of Conflict: A Theory of Conflict Groups

124

(6)

Summary

130

(1)

Lewis Coser

130

(8)

The Origins and Functions of Social Conflict

132

(3)

Divisive Social Conflict

135

(3)

Summary

138

(1)

Randall Collins

138

(17)

The Nature of Conflict Sociology

139

(2)

Social Institutions and the Balance of Resources

141

(9)

Culture, Ideology, and Legitimation

150

(3)

Military Force and Geopolitics

153

(2)

Summary

155

(1)

Conclusion

155

(3)

Evolution and Modernity: Macrosociological Perspectives

158

(39)

Introduction

159

(1)

Intellectual Roots

160

(2)

Part One: Karl Marx and the Classless Society

162

(1)

The End of Capitalism

163

(5)

World Systems Theory

165

(3)

Part Two: Talcott Parsons's Evolutionary Model

168

(6)

Evolutionary Universals

169

(5)

Part Three: Jurgen Habermas: Rationalization and Communicative Action

174

(12)

Evolution and Crisis

176

(4)

Rationalization of the Lifeworld

180

(1)

Lifeworld and System

181

(2)

Reason and Rationalization

183

(3)

Part Four: Anthony Giddens: Structuration Theory, High Modernity, and Globalization